grandparents of Artsakh

The monument “We and our mountains” is one of the most popular symbols of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and depicted on the emblem of the Republic of Artsakh, is located at the entrance to Stepanakert. It is also referred to as “grandparents” (Տատիկ-պապիկ, tatik-papik). The monument was built in 1967, of a reddish tufa, sculptor Sargis Baghdasaryan. Be sure to visit this monument.

HISTORY
The monument «We and our mountains

Restored the symbol of Nagorno Karabakh officially re-open after 46 years after its installation. The monument «We and our mountains», which people affectionately called «Grandma and Grandpa», was created in the Soviet years. The author of the monument – sculptor Sargis Baghdasaryan.

Carved from red tuff the monument symbolizes the blood relationship between the Karabakh land and the people. At the time against the construction of the monument and its installation were made by the leadership of the Soviet Azerbaijan. Moreover, the protest grew in connection with the installation of this monument in the vicinity of the city of Stepanakert.

«»Grandma and Grandpa» by his presence call on all our people: be with us, don’t stay away, come here, here is the best place in the world, in an interview with Radio liberty said participating in the opening of the monument older Karabakhis. – I am a grandfather, I have 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, they are all here, and no regrets about what didn’t go away to other places. They are, and will become like their grandparents».

This attraction Karabakh was restored and landscaped with funds residing in Russia businessman with Karabakh roots Karen Avakimyan. As a result of restoration works at a cost of 145 million AMD was to preserve the original appearance of the monument. Was the green hill on which stands the monument, as well as a watering system and sanctification. In addition, was illuminated, and the stone-paved path leading to the monument, as well as a tiled pedestal of the monument. And for visitors were built special places to stay.

The opening ceremony of the renovated monument was attended by President of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakyan. In his speech he stressed the importance of maintaining national symbols, expressing satisfaction that in this process involved and the Diaspora. Sahakyan expressed gratitude to philanthropist Karen Avagimyan for financing of works on improvement of the complex, calling it one of the best methods of strengthen ties with their historical homeland.

The ceremony was attended by the second President of Nagorno Karabakh Arkady Ghukasian, speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan, first lady of Armenia Rita Sargsyan, speaker of the National Assembly of Nagorno Karabakh Ashot Ghulyan, Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan, member of the house of Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox, the son of the author of the monument Bagdasarian Sargis Ashot Baghdasaryan, the senior officials of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, numerous guests from abroad.